When it comes to football, the Hoopa Warriors aren’t usually the topic of conversation on the North Coast, and when they are, it’s usually because the opposing team just blew them out of the water.

But times are changing for this young group of Warriors.

With a former Shasta and Menlo College tight end as coach and several key returners from last season, the team is planning to build on last year’s progress.

”Last year the seniors wanted to change the perception of Hoopa football,” explained Coach Marty Wilkes, “And I think they did that, to a certain extent.”

Hoopa went 2-4 in league and 3-6 overall last season, and although it’s not a winning record, it’s the most impressive season the Warriors have had in more than eight years.

The Warriors defeated St. Bernard’s and South Fork last season. It was the first time they had earned a Little Four Conference victory since 2000.

They’ve came a long way if you compare their progress to five years ago when the head coach was forced to call off the entire season because too many students were ineligible to play.

So how do you give a football program a makeover?

Hoopa must begin by developing a program that is competitive, confident and — most of all — disciplined.

And that doesn’t seem to be a problem for Wilkes, as the rules of the road were already laid out during basketball season. (He is also the Hoopa varsity basketball coach.)

”I’m feeling pleasantly optimistic,” said Wilkes. “What it boils down to is, to turn our image around it needs to start with self-discipline. That’s our theme for the year.”

A majority of the players have already dedicated some of their free time this summer to improving their abilities on the field. Wilkes said a core group of players voluntarily hit the weight room this summer and by his accounts, have “bulked up” since last season.

Six of Hoopa’s starters — Robbie Gammill, Joe Nix, Robby Almadovar, Michael Boak, Michael Miller and Wes Spino — will be missing from the lineup this season, but Wilkes said they’ve gained several talented athletes to fill their shoes.

Wilkes, who believes the heart of a team is in their offensive line, is expecting outstanding performances from center Jeffrey Hodge, Geno O’Rourke, Morgan Laramie and Matt Chavez, all returning from last season.

”I think we will have a good, solid season, but our offense is essential,” he said.

A new addition to the team this year is one Wilkes cannot seem to stop talking about.

”I have to thank the lucky stars for this one. He’s a big, strong kid with great feet…it makes me giddy just thinking about it,” he said.

The new kid on the block is Eli Burton. Wilkes describes him as a 6-foot-1 junior who weighs in at about 300 pounds, and may possibly be the missing link the Warriors have been looking for.

”We also have two outstanding tight ends,” Wilkes said. “I expect to see a lot out of Curtis Kane and A.C. Cloud.”

Hoopa has seven players returning to the defensive line and Wilkes is anticipating standout performances from seniors Alex Pratt and Rico Tello.

”Our defense has always been sound,” said the first-year coach.

As for a break-out season, Coach Wilkes is leaving that up to sophomore Nolan Colegrove.

”I look at Nolan as having a coming-out year,” he said. “He’ll be big at safety.”

Two players — quarterback Talbert Alvarado and tailback Bill Sylvia — have already established reputations as all-around athletes and will continue building on that this season.

A calf injury at the end of last season sent Sylvia to the bench, but Wilkes said he’s healthy and ready to get back out on the field.

”If I can keep him healthy and physical, he’ll be a difference maker — he is a difference maker,” said Wilkes. “He’s got a burst of speed and is not afraid to take on a tackle.”

As for Alvarado, he’s a coach’s dream.

”He does exactly what I want him to do,” said Wilkes. “He guides the team down the field.”

Whether it’s building a reputation or busting helmets, Hoopa is expected to turn some heads — towards the field this season.